Services

Buyer Services

About the Process

Buying a home is a complex matter and can be especially confusing for the first-time homebuyer. Just like every home differs from the next, so does each home buying attempt and process. Do yourself a favor and learn as much about the process as you can before you begin. You're already off to a great start. There are plenty of resources on the Internet, but nothing beats the direct guidance from a real estate professional who lives each and every day to understand market trends and can help explain each step of the process in plain language.

Financial responsibility and managing your finances is key to your success as a future homeowner. Good credit history, building up your savings for a down payment/closing costs, and anticipating utility costs (water/sewer, gas, electricity, etc.) are all important things to consider. Every day homes are purchased by first-time and former homeowners and you are on your way to doing the same.

2. Selecting a REALTOR®

You found one already! That’s why you are here! You want to select a REALTOR® that has a proven track record working with both homebuyers and sellers. Great ways to learn more about your REALTOR® is by visiting their social media pages, Zillow profile, and website. Select a REALTOR® that is a great communicator, responsive, and makes you feel like YOU are always #1.

3. Get Pre-Approved for a Home Mortgage

Too often homebuyers hit the market and start touring homes before they talk to a local bank or mortgage company/lender. We aren’t buying a car here; we are financing one of the largest purchases you may ever make in your life, and unless you plan on paying cash, it’s very important to make sure that your search includes homes in the price range that you can afford. Your bank or mortgage company and loan specialist will help you select the mortgage that fits you and your financial plan best.

4. Finding the Right Home

Now the fun part begins! Write down all of your “must haves” and “really wants”. The area, neighborhood, schools, your job, and proximity to friends and family can help you quickly narrow down your search. Hampton Roads has many wonderful cities, but you probably don’t want to search all of them. After that, let’s find out what amenities you want your home to have; garage, yard, privacy fencing, one-story, two-story, pool, etc. The list can be endless, but don’t narrow this down too much. Be sure to stay open and flexible as your new home may take some personal touches by you to make it exactly what you want.

5. Submitting an Offer

This is where your REALTOR® and you calculate the most optimal offer for you to achieve homeownership of the house you’ve said “YES” to. This process will include reviewing past sales in the area, comparing those sold homes to your selected home, and calculating an offer that feels most appropriate to you and your financial desires. There are many documents that come into play here & your REALTOR® will make sure that each one that is necessary to your success is provided & reviewed thoroughly. Remember, time may be of the essence; if you like the home there is a good chance others will too. No need to rush, but putting your best foot forward will ensure that you did all that you could to show the seller that you are a serious homebuyer.

6. Pre and Post Settlement

YOU did it! Congrats in advance on having your offer accepted and now it’s time for homeownership. After your offer is accepted, your REALTOR® will help guide you through the home inspection process, other necessary inspections (termite, moisture, etc.), selecting a settlement/closing company, researching appropriate insurance policies (homeowners, flood, fire, etc.), researching home warranties, and making sure that all parties stay in close communication so that your hard work and patience produces a successful transaction.

Seller Services

Selling With Confidence - Maximum Exposure

Selling your home can be a daunting and overwhelming task. If it were as easy as putting a sign in the ground, everyone would do it themselves. Hiring a professional to walk you through the process from start to finish is incredibly important to the successful sale of your home. As a nationally recognized REALTOR® who has studied the local market for over 16 years, Kevin will help guide you through the following: 1) How to prepare your home for the current market of active homebuyers. 2) Selecting the most optimal listing price based on market demand and conditions. 3) Reviewing the many forms necessary to both list and sell your home in accordance with local, state, and national regulations. 4) Exposing your home to the largest pool of active buyers through the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as major national sites such as Zillow, Trulia, Homes.com, Realtor.com, and more! 5) Education on negotiating an offer with homebuyers. 6) Step-by-step guidance from contract to closing. 7) The most efficient way to plan your move after the successful sale of your home.

Financial Questions

Should I speak with a Mortgage Loan Specialist before I start my home search?

It is highly recommended that you have an introductory conversation with a mortgage loan specialist before your begin your search. Achieving at least a pre-qualification, or better yet a pre-approval, helps prepare you for optimal success when beginning your search. Ask Kevin about a recommendation for a competitive local mortgage office with exceptional customer service.

What financial responsibilities should I prepare for when buying a home?

The most common costs for a homebuyer associated with the home buying process are down payment, closing costs (mortgage fees), prepaid costs (taxes, insurance, interest, etc.), home appraisal, and the home inspection.

Will I need to submit a deposit with my purchase offer?

Most likely, yes. The Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) check demonstrates your willingness and intent to enter into the purchase agreement and purchase the home and is submitted with the purchase offer. At the end of a successful transaction, this money is still yours and will be used as you decide towards the purchase of the home or associated closing cost expenses. You can decide the amount of your EMD with guidance from your real estate agent.

What is the best type of loan for me?

There are numerous loan options available. The more common types of loans are VA (Veterans Administration), FHA (Federal Housing Administration), and conventional. You will want to talk with your mortgage loan specialist about your ability to qualify for any or all of these loan options as well as their associated fees and down payment requirements.